The Athletic have named a host of players on Newcastle United’s radar heading into the January transfer window, where Eddie Howe is thought to be on the lookout for a midfielder, versatile forward and potentially another goalkeeper.
Alongside Kalvin Phillips – a clear loan target if an appropriate deal can be struck with Man City – the piece mentions that Howe is a long-term admirer of Conor Gallagher. It’s believed Chelsea could yet cash in on their academy product to ease FFP issues, but his £40m price tag would be a problem. Ruben Neves is not a target, despite previous links.
In attack, The Athletic reveal that Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are three players who we’ve also been watching very closely in recent years.
Then to goalkeepers, it’s thought Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale – a player Howe signed during his time at Bournemouth – is an attractive option we could explore, although any deal ‘would be complicated.’
Free agent stopper David De Gea remains an option and Newcastle have not ruled out a move for the Spaniard, despite his salary demands. Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone and Hugo Lloris are two others who have been considered previously, although the latter won’t be arriving on Tyneside after the Frenchman left Spur for MLS side LAFC this week.
The report states that Howe prefers to bring in ‘top-level experience’ and ‘players he is confident can make a positive impact upon the team’, while internal debates have taken place as to whether we sign cover for Nick Pope or a long-term challenger for the No 1 spot.
